MANILA, Philippines—Sudan Daniel was an undeniable basketball force in the NCAA when he powered San Beda to a perfect title run in 2010, but he was first a good guy that everyone around him loved.
Such was the sadness that swept away the community when news broke of his sudden passing on Saturday.
Tributes poured for the late center and messages of how Daniel touched their lives were shared on social media.
“I lost a brother today,” posted Miakka Lim, daughter of Daniel’s Red Lions coach Frankie Lim, on Facebook. “I will always remember the championships, the sweeps, the awards, the college graduation, the birthdays and the holidays you’ve spent with our family… we’ll leave a seat open.”
“You are an example of hard work paying off. An even greater example of a good soul. The heaven is crying for all of us you leave behind. I’m so so so proud of the man you are, Su. My dad sure is proud of you! My whole family is proud of you. I miss and love you. You will always be our Superman,” she added.
I lost a brother today.
I will always remember the championships, the sweeps, the awards, the college graduation, the…
Posted by Miakka Lim on Saturday, December 26, 2020
Daniel was San Beda’s best player in the 2010 championship run wherein he won both the season and Finals MVPs.
A native Californian, Daniel chose to stay in the Philippines after graduating from San Beda and worked with Titan and Chooks-to-Go during his employment years.
“It’s shocking to know about the loss of my former teammate. Very sad news to the Bedan community. May you rest in peace brother,” posted Red Lions teammate Borgie Hermida on Facebook.
David Semerad, along with his twin brother Anthony, even hosted Daniel on his Batangas farm for Christmas and it was there when the 2010 NCAA MVP suffered a fatal asthma attack.
“Our beloved Sudan Daniel has sadly passed on December 26, 2020. Sudan was a wonderful brother, father, son and friend who touched the lives of those around him,” posted the twins on their Instagram accounts. “Sudan dedicated his life to basketball, in helping people become the best version of themselves and reach their full potential on and off the court. We are all devastated by Sudan’s loss.”
PBA personalities Jimmy Alapag, Jared Dillinger, and Solomon Mercado also took to Twitter to pay respects to Daniel.
“The world just lost another great young man. Will miss all our pre/post practice talks. Rest in Heaven Su,” posted Alapag.
“Wow I’m in complete shock. Life is so fragile, love yours. RIP young brother,” wrote Mercado.
“I’m in shock! RIP Sudan Daniel! This is just awful smh,” posted Dillinger.